Description

Prize-Winning Roots, Next-Gen Growth Ahead

Step right up for a night of celebration, connection, and a little county fair fun! The Lancaster Chamber is celebrating 50 years of its annual Agriculture Industry Banquet, and we’re marking the golden anniversary with an evening that brings the spirit of the fair to life.

Whether you work in agriculture or simply love what makes Lancaster County so special, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy live music from 3 West, grab a legendary Dairymen’s Association milkshake, and keep an eye out for fun surprises along the way. Plus, connect with some of the people, businesses, and leaders who help keep Lancaster’s agricultural community thriving.

This year’s banquet is all about celebrating where we’ve been, where we’re going, and the people making it happen. With a nod to blue ribbons, grandstand moments, and good old-fashioned Lancaster County pride, we’ll celebrate 50 years of agriculture, innovation, and community while looking toward the next generation.

Come for the celebration, stay for the connections, and leave with a new appreciation for the industry that helps make Lancaster County one of a kind.

FEATURED PANEL

Join Mary Henry, Crystal Bomgardner, Dale Hershey, and Josh Brubaker for this year’s featured panel discussion, moderated by Heather Valudes. Bringing together voices from across Lancaster County’s agricultural community, the conversation will explore how agriculture has evolved, the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation, and where the industry is headed in the years ahead.

Representing different generations and sectors of the industry, the panelists will share their perspectives on the innovations, people, and ideas shaping agriculture’s future, offering valuable insight and sparking meaningful dialogue about what’s next for the industry.

Mary Henry is a lifelong advocate for Lancaster County agriculture and currently serves as Corporate Sales Manager at Messick Farm Equipment, where she leads sales and strategic growth across the company’s locations. She spent 25 years at Farm Credit supporting farmers and agribusinesses throughout the region and helped create and manage the Farm Credit Express program. Mary is also deeply involved in the agricultural community, serving as 1st Vice President of PennAg Industries and as a founding member and past Chair of the Lancaster County Ag Council.

Crystal Bomgardner is the Assistant Executive Director of Pennsylvania FFA, where she supports agricultural education and helps develop students as leaders, innovators, and advocates. A 2026 graduate of Lancaster Bible College, Crystal previously served as the 2023–2024 Pennsylvania FFA State President and was a 2024 National FFA Officer Candidate. She is passionate about servant leadership, community engagement, and creating opportunities for young people to grow and pursue their goals. 

Josh Brubaker is a fourth-generation farmer and managing partner at Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy, where he works alongside his father and uncle to operate the family’s dairy and poultry farm. A Penn State graduate with a degree in Agricultural Business Management and a specialization in Dairy Science, Josh returned to the farm after college and became a partner in 2020. He focuses on dairy nutrition, animal care, and data-driven decision-making while helping lead the farm’s continued growth and commitment to sustainable agriculture. 

Dale Hershey is a longtime leader in agricultural banking and a strong advocate for Lancaster County’s farming community. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Director of Agricultural Lending at Univest, where he works with farmers and agricultural businesses throughout the region. Dale is also deeply involved in the local agricultural community, serving on the Lancaster County Agriculture Council and the Lancaster Farmland Trust board, and has spent years supporting the growth and preservation of agriculture in Lancaster County.

Now more than ever, our community food hubs near our support! We'll be doing our Annual Food Drive at the Ag Banquet in support of the Lancaster County Food Hub. CLICK HERE to check out their food donation list, and bring your items to the event! 

ANNOUNCING: 2026 GEORGE C. DELP AWARD

Coming soon!

CENTURY FARM INFORMATION INCOMING

THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS:

Presenting Sponsor:

Delp Award Sponsor:

Speaker Sponsor:

Century Farm/Reception Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

PATRON SPONSORS

Brown Plus

Bank of Bird-in-Hand

Simon Lever